"I've come to Tasmania for one purpose, and that's to say to the people of Tasmania that the nation is standing with them at this very, very difficult time," she said.

"We'll be standing with them in every way. Indeed, I've already met today Victorians and people from New South Wales who have come to work in support of their friends in Tasmania as Tasmania continues to fight these fires.

"I've met Victorians here who were assisted by Tasmanians when Victoria faced the 2009 devastating bushfires. They feel like they're returning a favour. I think they're showing great Australian mateship at what is an incredibly difficult time."

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